BASIC INFORMATION
Prayer Walk is a strategy used worldwide to identify People of Peace—those who welcome you by engaging in conversation, accepting prayer, listening to Scripture, and are willing to share it with others. Here are the key steps to follow:
Follow the Holy Spirit's Guidance: Begin by asking the Holy Spirit for direction on where to go and whom to approach. Be open and expectant. John 4:35
Target Receptive Groups: Focus on those most likely to respond by looking for individuals in the PIPSY category: Poor, Internationals, Prisoners, Sick, and Youth. Also, consider those who have received aid from local ministries, as they may be especially responsive. That being said, you can always walk other areas, going door to door.
Approach in Pairs: If you're in groups, be sure to approach people and homes in pairs. When you arrive, knock on the door—friends knock, strangers ring the bell.
Go With a Loving Heart. Remember, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love." Galatians 5:6 NIV. Watch (and sing) For The One (4:06) and make it your prayer.
Begin now. Don't wait. You'll learn as you go. If possible, join someone who has previous prayer walk experience. However, if necessary, start the process yourself by going out trusting the Holy Spirit. Remember, you may be by yourself, but you're never alone. Matthew 28:20 Take someone with you as soon as possible.
SUGGESTED APPROACH
Introduce Yourself and Purpose: Explain that you are followers of Jesus who are encouraging people by praying for them. Ask if you can pray for them and what they most need prayer for right now in their life.
Explore Pain Points: Listen for pain points as they share their needs, and gently probe them by asking questions. Show genuine sympathy and step into what they are going through. Ask how they are coping and dealing with any hardship or difficulty.
Offer an Encouraging Bible Story: Before praying, share a story from the Bible using the DBS Story Sets. If possible, try to align the story with their current situation. Share the story from memory and then ask, "What does this story teach us about God and people?" Be ready to ask follow-up questions such as, "Is there any part of this story that you can relate to?" Again, humbly pursue pain points with questions.
Pray: Allow what the person has just shared to shape your words to God. This creates a powerful moment by inviting God into their lives in an immediate way. Additionally, it enables them to feel the presence of God, providing hope and comfort. It also fosters a sense of being heard and cared for, reinforcing the connection between them, you, and God.
Ask the "Golden Question": Inquire if they have friends, family or neighbors who would be encouraged to hear the Bible story from them. This is crucial as it identifies a potential person of peace and sets the stage for multiplication. If they say yes, text them the story along with the questions. Follow up in 24 hours to see if they have shared the story. If they have, send another. Once they do this two or three times, meet again to teach them about Discovery Bible Study (DBS).
Review a Sample Script: "Hi, my name is [Your Name] and this is [Partner's Name]. We are followers of Jesus, going around encouraging people by praying for them. May we pray for you, and if so, what do you most need prayer for in your life right now?" Listen to their answers and gently pursue pain points. Before praying, say, "Before we pray, can I share an encouraging story from the Bible with you?" If they say yes, share a story from memory from the list below. Be ready with at least one story before you prayer walk. Then ask, "What does this story teach us about God and people?" Explore their answers, and be ready to ask, "Is there any part of this story you can relate to?" Then pray for them, based on the information they shared. Then ask, "Do you have family, friends or neighbors who would be encouraged to hear this story from you?" If they respond positively, text the story and questions to them.
Resources
- View DBS Story Sets
- Watch Compassion (8:05)
- Watch Persons of Peace (5:41)
- Watch Finding Access on Mission (37:30)
- Watch Access Ministry (56:03)
- Watch Movements in Sudan thru Access Ministsry (46:53)
- View DMM Resources